Share
Summary of COP28 – Day 7: Focusing on Urbanization and Transport
Key Developments:
Focus on Urbanization and Transport: Day 7 of COP28 emphasized transitioning to low-carbon and resilient infrastructure, particularly in urban areas. Cities are responsible for an estimated 75 percent of global CO2 emissions, mainly from transportation and buildings.
Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change: Global leaders gathered to discuss accelerating local climate finance and equipping local governments to address climate change impacts. This meeting highlighted the need for multilevel action in urban areas.
Global Sustainable Aviation Forum: Industry leaders explored transitioning the aviation industry away from fossil fuels and promoting decarbonization.
Decarbonizing Urban Freight Transportation: An event hosted by The Climate Pledge and C40 Cities focused on transitioning to electric freight vehicles to reduce urban freight transportation emissions.
Simon Stiell’s Statement: UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized the need for rapid climate action, describing the draft agreement on the Global Stocktake as insufficient and calling for a “bullet train” to speed up climate action.
Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector: The transportation sector is responsible for approximately one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Significant investments are being made to decarbonize surface transportation, including electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and zero-emission electric buses.
US and EU Initiatives: The US and EU are implementing various programs and incentives to decarbonize transportation. The US has allocated over $27 billion for carbon pollution reduction projects, while the EU has various programs to support hydrogen technology and battery development.
Role of Subnational Leaders: Local leaders, including mayors and governors, play a crucial role in implementing national-level climate action programs. Businesses are encouraged to engage with local leaders to identify partnership opportunities in climate action.
Leve Global’s Comments on Day 7
As Leve Global, deeply committed to sustainable development and environmental advocacy, we view the developments of COP28 Day 7 with a mix of optimism and concern. The focus on urbanization and transport, crucial sectors responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions, is a positive step towards addressing climate change. However, we believe that the discussions and actions may not fully capture the unique challenges and needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including those in the Caribbean region where we are deeply involved.
The emphasis on urban infrastructure and transportation in larger cities and developed nations, while necessary, often overshadows the urgent needs of SIDS. These regions face distinct challenges, such as limited resources, vulnerability to climate impacts, and a lack of robust infrastructure. The transition to low-carbon and resilient infrastructure in SIDS requires not just adaptation of existing solutions from developed countries but also innovative, tailored approaches that consider the unique geographical and economic contexts of these islands.
The initiatives discussed at COP28, including the Global Sustainable Aviation Forum and the focus on electric freight vehicles, are commendable. However, for SIDS, the immediate need is for accessible and affordable clean energy solutions and sustainable transportation that align with their scale and capabilities. The high cost of transitioning to green technology and the lack of adequate financial and technical support remain significant barriers for SIDS.
Furthermore, while the call for a “bullet train” to speed up climate action by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell is a powerful metaphor, it must translate into tangible actions and support for SIDS. The pace and direction of global climate action must consider the urgency with which SIDS need to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
In summary, as Leve Global, we urge the global community and COP28 participants to ensure that the strategies and solutions discussed are inclusive and considerate of the needs of SIDS. The Caribbean and other island nations should not be an afterthought in the global climate agenda; their survival and sustainable development must be a priority in all climate action plans and discussions.
What are your thoughts on Day 7? Please leave your comments below.
Read our summary on Day 8 here.
Check out our summaries on other days:
Day 9 (Coming Soon)
Day 10 (Coming Soon)
Day 11 (Coming Soon)
Day 12 (Coming Soon)
We would love to hear from you. Engage with us. Leave a comment below.
About the Author:
Kevon Wilson
Senior Analyst
Leve Global
Kevon Wilson, is a premier researcher and strategist. He has more than 16 years’ experience in research and digital marketing.
He is co-author of many of Leve Global’s research publications such as Big Data – Delivering the Big Picture to Drive Competitiveness, Everything You Need to Know About Internet Marketing, and The Top Ten Emerging Markets.
